Witch

n. [O. Eng. wicce, A-S. wicce, Prov. Ger. wilke, A-S. wiglere, enchanter, O. D. wijcheler, N. D. wigchelaar, m., wigchelaarster, f.; L. Ger. wikken, A-S. wiglian, to divine; D. wigchelen, O. D. wijchelen, wiechelen, to tell fortunes, to foretell; L. Lat. vegius, a sorcerer, allied to A-S. wig, holy.] 1. A person, especially a woman, who is given to the black art; one regarded as possessing supernatural or magical power by compact with evil spirits; a sorcerer or sorceress; — now applied only to women, but formerly used of men as well. Thy master that lodges here . . . is a rare man of art; they say he's a witch. Beau. & Fl. He can not abide the old woman; . . . he swears she's a witch. Shak. 2. One who exercises more than common power of attraction; a charming person; — said especially of a female. [Colloq.] Witches'-butter. See Nostoc.